NYC Dining Dilemma
 

I will be in NYC briefly for a conference from 11/8-11/11. I will be busy during the day and am planning to see Les Mis the night I arrive at 8pm. I am staying at the Grand Hyatt at Grand Central and will be able to go out to dinner 3 times. I would love any advice based on the personal experiences of the EDF folks. Here is my tentative plan, though I am open for suggestions:

Thursday: "21." It's near the theatre and we'll need to eat early since the show runs from 8-11pm.

Friday and Saturday: Spice Market, Bond Street, Matsuri, or Da Silvano.

In the absence of any compelling recommendations it will probably be 21 on Thursday, Spice Market on Friday and Da Silvano on Saturday.

Time will be limited, but I would be happy to meet any fellow 2+2ers for a drink on Saturday or Sunday night. Thanks in advance for any help.

Irieguy

PS- I know this is a lame thread, but I really want some help and I promise I will make up for it with an amazing trip report from my recent sailing trip with The Usher and Apathy.

Re: NYC Dining Dilemma
 

I enjoyed the Spice Market when I ate there, but it was nothing spectacular. Solid food, but nothing that just blew me away.

Re: NYC Dining Dilemma
 

I'm guessing its slightly out of your budget (since it's out of the budget of 99.9% of people) but I've been having dreams of Masa. Just reading reviews of the sushi there makes me crave it. I think its $350 per person before tax/tip/drinks, which is more expensive than any three meals i've had combined.

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpag...51C1A9629C8B63

Someone on 2+2 wrote about it too. Do it for us, sneak some TR pics, and report back.

Re: NYC Dining Dilemma
 

[ QUOTE ]
I'm guessing its slightly out of your budget (since it's out of the budget of 99.9% of people) but I've been having dreams of Masa. Just reading reviews of the sushi there makes me crave it. I think its $350 per person before tax/tip/drinks, which is more expensive than any three meals i've had combined.

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpag...51C1A9629C8B63

Someone on 2+2 wrote about it too. Do it for us, sneak some TR pics, and report back.

[/ QUOTE ]

Too late for reservations. Otherwise auto. Thanks anyhow.

Irieguy

Re: NYC Dining Dilemma
 

If you are in a semi-rush and cannot get out, the Oyster Bar at Grand Central is very good.

Re: NYC Dining Dilemma
 

picholine is very good, and I have heard great things about park avenue autumn. if you like indian, devi has just reopened. they are probably booked, but you could try union square cafe as well, great restaurant and that area (union square) is fun and easy to get to from grand central.

Re: NYC Dining Dilemma
 

theres like a 12-15% chance im in nyc sunday

Re: NYC Dining Dilemma
 

Irie,

Having three days in NYC and $$$ to go to three sweet meals is pretty much the opposite of a dilemma.

Check New York things to do and High-End Dining threads for ideas.

Post here w/ questions on anything that sounds interesting to you.

OpenTable is a great place to get ideas. Just put in your time, search, and order by price (or filter by cuisine).

The only one I've been to that you mention is Bond Street - very good place. A couple of friends echoed what was said above about Spice Market - good stuff, but nothing to blow you away.

Re: NYC Dining Dilemma
 

Irie,

Took a quick glance at OpenTable, here are a few places (plenty more good ones, I just picked a few of varying types) I would recommend that look to have availability (price ranges from normal nice sit down to very expensive):

Bouley
davidburke & donatella
Veritas
wd-50
Wolfgang's Steakhouse
Cafe Gray
Hudson Cafeteria
Perry St
Tamarind
Tribeca Grill
Union Square Cafe (Sunday)

Re: NYC Dining Dilemma
 

Per Se was fantastic

Re: NYC Dining Dilemma
 

Any particular reason you want to go to 21? If you're into that scene Patroon and Delmonico are similar.

Re: NYC Dining Dilemma
 

Spice Market has great atmosphere but meh food. If I could only do 3 dinners in NYC, I would do, in descending order:

Daniel
11 Madison
Sushi of Gari (Upper East Side)

With Wolfgang's and Babbo as backups. I still haven't been to Bouley and Jean Georges, but my friends tell me they're both great as well.

I haven't heard much good about 21. It's also not that close to the Les Miz theater. DB Bistro, Del Frisco's and Hell's Kitchen are closer and probably better.

I would be interested in meeting 2p2ers for drinks Sunday if I'm not in Brooklyn that night.

Re: NYC Dining Dilemma
 

I would add that Poke on 85th and 1st avenue is far superior to Sushi of Gari. It's likely the best sushi restaurant in NYC. If you go, make sure to get the truffle roll.

Re: NYC Dining Dilemma
 

by,

I haven't been to Babbo, but I've never heard anything except raves about meals there. It's high on my list of places to check out.

Re: NYC Dining Dilemma
 

[ QUOTE ]


Thursday: "21." It's near the theatre and we'll need to eat early since the show runs from 8-11pm.


[/ QUOTE ]

My NYC experience is not extensive, but last time I was there it seemed as if eating after 11pm would not be a problem. Most of the restaurants around the Times Square area where I stayed were open quite late.

Re: NYC Dining Dilemma
 

btw, if you only have 3 dinners, I wouldn't pick a restaurant based on it being near to the theatre unless you are really, absolutely crunched for time. you might snag a table at a really good spot like babbo if you go early, and you can just hop in a cab or take the train from there to midtown.

Re: NYC Dining Dilemma
 

All,

Thank you so much for your suggestions.

ElD, I actually had OpenTable open when I wrote this thread, I was just looking for some firsthand confirmation of awesomeness.

Right now I think Bond St. is the only definite and i'm looking to replace 21. Babbo is probably on the list now, too.

Irieguy

Re: NYC Dining Dilemma
 

[ QUOTE ]
I would add that Poke on 85th and 1st avenue is far superior to Sushi of Gari. It's likely the best sushi restaurant in NYC. If you go, make sure to get the truffle roll.

[/ QUOTE ]
Cool, I'll have to check it out.

Re: NYC Dining Dilemma
 

No love for Le Bernardin? I think they serve decent food at an affordable price.

Re: NYC Dining Dilemma
 

[ QUOTE ]
Irie,

Took a quick glance at OpenTable, here are a few places (plenty more good ones, I just picked a few of varying types) I would recommend that look to have availability (price ranges from normal nice sit down to very expensive):

Bouley
davidburke & donatella
Veritas
wd-50
Wolfgang's Steakhouse
Cafe Gray
Hudson Cafeteria
Perry St
Tamarind
Tribeca Grill
Union Square Cafe (Sunday)

[/ QUOTE ]

the dinner i had at david burke in vegas (at venetian) is one of my all time couple favorite meals. i would love to hear a TR from david burke and donatella. the menu looks excellent and overlaps with a few things i tried at david burke in vegas.

Re: NYC Dining Dilemma
 

[ QUOTE ]
Spice Market has great atmosphere but meh food. If I could only do 3 dinners in NYC, I would do, in descending order:

Daniel
11 Madison
Sushi of Gari (Upper East Side)

[/ QUOTE ]

We must have a common ancestor. I love these suggestions. Eleven Madison Park is one of my favorites in NYC and not yet as popular as it deserves to be. I find Sushi of Gari to have some items that are stunning and some that are flops, but I admire them for trying. The fact that Gari wasn't there the night I went might go some way towards explaining it. The scallops with black truffles at Daniel is one of the best single dishes I've ever had anywhere, which lets me forgive their rather old school decor.

Re: NYC Dining Dilemma
 

irie guy,

from experience, reservations are made a month in advance to most these high end places for Thurs, Fri, Sat that people are suggesting here.

but if you get lucky, any of these places are new york icons. most of these start at $100+ / hd

babbo - italian
daniel - french
le bernandin - seafood
WD50 - american? no real style
jean geoges - french
veritas - wine bar/italian/american/french
amma - indian
aquavit - swedish
l'impero - italian
alto - new italian
cru - american/french

some pseudo under-the-radar places that a lot of foodies know about:

-- extra virgin
-- little owl
-- red cat
-- harrison
-- tasting room
-- blue ribbon, kitchen open till 4AM


i'd stay away from these places:
Spice Market
Fiammas
Morimoto

Bond St had a fire a few months ago but i think they're back in business.

Re: NYC Dining Dilemma
 

I would consider Momofuku or Casa Mono if you want a "busier," more casual, dining experience.

Re: NYC Dining Dilemma
 

I again throw in a rec for the Modern restaurant at MOMA. Fabulous food and seamless service sitting aside the sculpture garden, hard to beat.

And I quite enjoyed my meal and experience at Hearth, so much so that I planned a party for my parents' anniversary there. Created by alums of Craft and the Gramercy Tavern. Not quite as imposing in price.

http://www.restauranthearth.com

Who else can comment on Per Se? That remains high on my list, alongside Babbo.

And if y'all could help me out in my other thread in EDF re: NYC eating, I'd appreciate it. Not looking for uber-caliber here, just good and reasonable fare.

Re: NYC Dining Dilemma
 

btw, if you want to splurge on sushi, Sushi Yasuda or Kurmazushi are a notch above Bond St.

bond st is more of a casual weekday sushi meal or a meal before going out. the other two are dining experiences and will cost you a lot.

Re: NYC Dining Dilemma
 

[ QUOTE ]
I would consider Momofuku or Casa Mono if you want a "busier," more casual, dining experience.

[/ QUOTE ]

I went to Momofuku once and it was awful. I remember the noodles were chewy! For good tasting, authentic Japanese ramen, the best I've ever had is Minca on 5th St. and Ave A. It's a very casual atmosphere, so I wouldn't recommend it to someone looking for more a more formal dining experience. But for anyone in NYC looking for awesome ramen (and gyoza), Minca is the spot.

Re: NYC Dining Dilemma
 

i think he's talking about Momofuku Ssam Bar which is different from the Momofuku noodle bar. and i wholeheartedly recommend Momofuku Ssam Bar.

here are some asian choices if you are in downtown on the weekends. i think they all serve lunch. great start before shopping in Soho/village.

Sobaya - japanese in the east village.
Shabu Tatsu - sukiyaki / shabu shabu. east village
Fuleen Seafood - chinese food. chinatown
Joe Shanghais - chinese food. chinatown
Oriental Garden - dim sum. chinatown
Nagomi - sushi / japanese comfort food. Soho

Re: NYC Dining Dilemma
 

now that i'm on a roll: brunch.

Jane
Mercer Kitchen (ridiculously good pancakes. i was shocked)
Blue Ribbon Bakery
11 Madison

Re: NYC Dining Dilemma
 

[ QUOTE ]
WD50 - american? no real style

[/ QUOTE ]
I would call the style “experimental.” Some very funky ingredient combinations. I liked it, but some people find it too weird.

Re: NYC Dining Dilemma
 

[ QUOTE ]
Who else can comment on Per Se?

[/ QUOTE ]
I had a fantastic meal at Per Se, but also paid a [censored]-load for it, even by NYC standards. I would only go back for a 40th birthday or similar big occasion. The atmosphere is pretty unique. I felt like I was in a Japanese hotel, in a good way. Very quiet and dreamlike. The food was excellent, but not so much better than my other favorite restaurants in the city. I wouldn’t feel right recommending it to anyone who isn’t a degenerate baller.

Re: NYC Dining Dilemma
 

Rococo: I would also recommend Casa Mono, I really like that place.

howz/by: I just went to WD-50, see the high-end dining thread for a review.

Re: NYC Dining Dilemma
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Who else can comment on Per Se?

[/ QUOTE ]
I had a fantastic meal at Per Se, but also paid a [censored]-load for it, even by NYC standards. I would only go back for a 40th birthday or similar big occasion. The atmosphere is pretty unique. I felt like I was in a Japanese hotel, in a good way. Very quiet and dreamlike. The food was excellent, but not so much better than my other favorite restaurants in the city. I wouldn’t feel right recommending it to anyone who isn’t a degenerate baller.

[/ QUOTE ]

Service was top notch, very accommodating they put together a wine pairing with the tasting menu which was a lot easier for our already somewhat inebriated group. Food was all very solid, portions were very manageable. They had a very basic salmon/creme fraiche amuse bouche that was out of this world, my dad was so enamored with it they brought us another round LOL.

Re: NYC Dining Dilemma
 

I've eaten out alot in NYC in the last couple of years and 3 of my favorites are the moment are Degustation, Casa Mono, and 'Inoteca. All are small plates / small place restaurants. Degustation just got upgraded to a 26 for food on zagat and the others are equally satisfying.

If you decide to go more upscale, I highly recommend Veritas, Blue Hill, Babbo, and Mas. Though I heard that the Veritas chef left recently, so I can't vouch for current food quality.

Re: NYC Dining Dilemma
 

What are your favorite kinds of food?

Daniel Bould's restaurant is really really good.

Re: NYC Dining Dilemma
 

I was just at Casa Mono tonight. It's pretty great, and I'm kinda drunk, but it's not in the same class as the other places that have been mentioned in this thread.

Re: NYC Dining Dilemma
 

How's Nobu in NYC?

Semi hijack: I'm going to be in NYC from 6th Dec to 11th, and then pop back for a few days a week later and have the same problems.

Will try to get one of Daniel Boloud's places, also Per Se.

Also, I need stuff to do(have read the things to do in NY thread briefly), so would be great if you could leave me a message if you can give me some tips(like great drink bars, clubs, things that aren't lonely-planeted and other stuff).

Thanks!

Edit: Also, I'm a Scandi, so outrageous prices won't (usually) scare me. Bring it on [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

Re: NYC Dining Dilemma
 

DaveR,

What is the atmosphere of Patroon? iirc, it's young professionals talking about work. That's what it was for a mid-week happy hour. The proximity to Citibank and other large institutions makes sense, does this change during the weekends?

Re: NYC Dining Dilemma
 

Just booked Bouley. Saw it had to stars in Guide Michelin too.

Re: NYC Dining Dilemma
 

[ QUOTE ]
Will try to get one of Daniel Boloud's places, also Per Se.

[/ QUOTE ]

For everyone talking about Per Se, I believe you have to call six weeks in advance to get a reservation, and they go within the first few minutes of opening.

Re: NYC Dining Dilemma
 

yeah, momofuku ssam is the [censored]. haven't been to the noodle bar though.